The Importance of Quality Research
The Importance of Quality Research
Research is conducted for a number of important reasons. First, research permits us to test our assumptions. There is not a one of us who does not occasionally get the facts wrong. Either we were told something incorrectly, or remember it poorly, or just fell for the word of someone we trusted. More recently, we may have trusted Internet sources that are often inaccurate, such as claims made in blogs or through free-content sources such as Wikipedia. Regardless of the reason, effective research corrects our misperceptions and supports valid claims.
A second, and critical reason in the context of a speech, is that the use of evidence from our research links our ideas to those of someone already known and accepted by the audience. Such evidence enhances credibility with the audience, providing we choose wisely. Keep in mind that evidence one audience finds credible may not be found to be so by another. For example, many people would find the FBI a credible source of information on law enforcement. However, a defense attorney in a trial may point out that an agent whose job is to enforce the law moves with a single purpose and is not allowed to consider the special circumstances under which a person might act in a manner that fits the legal definition of a crime but is viewed as justified by the jury. Choose evidence carefully in order to obtain the most credibility to those in our specific audience.
Third, research illuminates the nuances of issues. When we first start elementary school, we tend to believe that there are a set of immutable facts. Usually, we find those in sources like encyclopedias. As we mature, we realize that what an encyclopedia entry includes or excludes could change how we view a subject. Information, then, is contextual rather than absolute. Again turning to courtroom procedures, opposing attorneys often agree upon a set of facts, but the contextualization is what creates the dispute between the parties.
Fourth, research enables us to see the many sides of an issue. How can we persuade someone to our point of view when we don’t even know what opposing points of view are, or for that matter, how close or far apart our ideas are from those of others? Research helps us understand opposing views. It enables us to examine how others arrive at their opinions. It clarifies the key arguments and evidence used to support their positions. And it enables us to spot weaknesses in opposing arguments that may open the door to a meaningful exchange of ideas.
Finally, research is a process of self-education. It permits us to get the story straight before we stand before others proclaiming that we understand a topic. When we are comfortable with the facts we are more assured of ourselves as we speak, more in command of the speech, and better prepared to answer the questions of our critics.
As we explore the techniques of research, keep in mind that research is purposive. We do not judge the quality of research by the amount of time we spend doing it. We judge the quality by its ability to bolster our claims, illuminate our understanding, and add credibility to our speech.
